BYD Cars has introduced the updated Seagull electric hatchback at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, featuring expanded driving range and smarter technology. The said updates are subtle yet essential, as they make the BYD Seagull a more efficient electric vehicle (EV) equipped with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).
Compared to the Seagull currently sold in the Philippines, the unit launched by BYD at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show features a slightly different exterior. This is mostly seen on the front end, as the updated 2026 BYD Seagull comes with a revised bumper, according to the photos published by China’s Autohome. Another design update is that the new BYD Seagull now has dual front wipers.
However, the most significant design update on the Seagull is the addition of a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor, mounted on the roof. The said LiDAR sensor is integrated with BYD’s God’s Eye B driver assistance system, which enables the Segull to have smart, advanced tech that is designed to improve driving safety and comfort. The said tech enables the Seagull to handle complex driving scenarios, such as advanced highway support with Navigation On Autopilot (NOA), urban navigation, and parking assist, among others.
Another notable design update on the Seagull is the integration of cameras, seen on the front fenders. These cameras further allow the BYD Seagull to be a smarter EV, as it has more capability to detect more road scenarios. Aside from these cameras, the unit that debuted at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show features a red exterior paint, an option that’s currently not available in the Philippines. To put things in perspective, the locally available BYD Seagull can be had with the following exterior colors: Sprout Green, Apricity White, and Delan Black.
The 2026 BYD Seagull also comes with more EV driving range, which saw an increase from 405 kilometers to 505 kilometers (CLTC). This extended range is from its 38.88 kWh battery. Meanwhile, the maximum power of the new BYD Seagull also gets a boost as it now delivers 80 horsepower.
For context, the PH-spec BYD Seagull is offered with a smaller 30 kWh battery that comes with 300 km of range (NEDC). It then generates 74 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque, while offering three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
Autocar’s Take
BYD has equipped the Segull EV with subtle yet essential updates, as it is now a smarter and more efficient electric hatch. It also shows BYD’s commitment to integrating its vehicles with advanced technology, despite the Seagull being regarded as one of BYD’s volume sellers. As such, the addition of LiDAR tech into the Seagull shows BYD’s willingness to roll out its advanced tech even to its “non-premium” models.
Interestingly, the updates seen on the Seagull are something to look forward to should BYD Cars PH decide to introduce the updated model. It could sway more buyers who are looking for justifiable reasons into making the EV shift.
